The Media Authority's director general has urged media managers to train journalists on constitution-making so that they can report objectively and accurately.
Speaking on Tuesday during the opening of a two-day discussion on the role of media in the constitution-making process, Sapana Abui emphasized that journalists reporting on the process require political knowledge of the country.
“It really needs a political journalist because the constitution covers the politics of the nation. Your understanding of politics must be strong so that you don’t become a rumormonger instead of telling the facts to the public,” Abui said.
“It calls upon us as the media now to build up our capacity, and if you know you are not capable, please keep away. Don’t mess with yourself. It’s not allowed. It is not like any other story.”
South Sudan is currently embarking on making a permanent constitution that will replace the current transitional constitution of South Sudan 2011 (as amended).
“The public is ready, waiting to hear what the constitution is saying about the future of this country, what is going to be the status, even your identities have to be clear, who should be the national,” Abui stated.
Josephine Achiro, chairperson of the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), said the media plays a crucial role in informing the public about the constitution-making process.
“Media is a very important stakeholder in the constitution-making process, because it is a gateway for critical or accurate information, and it’s so close to the people,” Achiro underscored.
The Secretary General of the National Constitutional Review Commission, John Natana Abraham, echoed the call by the Media Authority for journalists to be trained on the constitution-making process.
“Constitution-making process can never be successful or complete without the involvement of journalists. The journalists are the ones that clearly explain the socioeconomic, cultural, and gender issues of the country,” Natana said.
“You have to be objective and responsible in doing your work. Objectivity, truthfulness, fairness, and accuracy are extremely important and integral parts of your work."
As South Sudan prepares to hold its first-ever election, the constitution remains a major prerequisite that is being debated on whether the election should be held with it or without it in place. However, the 2018 peace deal states that the constitution should first be in place to guide the democratic process.